The move reclassifies electronic waste under absolute prohibition to tighten border controls and curb environmental risks in the country amid recent corruption probes.
The arrests come as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission conducts broader investigations into alleged abuse of power and corruption in e-waste handling in Malaysia, which is one of the top destinations in Asia for illegal imports.
The country's defence minister called for more transparency and accountability from the armed forces as Malaysia's graft-busting agency detained army officers in its investigation of military procurement deals.